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It's pretty much official. Tennessee will become the 9th US state to legalize sports betting.
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Tennessee is unusual in that they become the first state to legalize sports gambling only for the Internet. There will be no retail sportsbooks.
The Tennessee Legislature approved the measure Tuesday and will not have to worry about Governor Bill Lee’s objection to the measure as he advised it can become law without his signature. That will happen in mid-May.
“The governor has said he does not believe that the expansion of gambling is best, but he recognizes that many in the legislature found this to be an issue they want to explore further,” Laine Arnold, Lee’s press secretary, told The Tennessean. “He plans to let this become law without his signature.”
The online sports betting mobile sites should begin taking bets on July 1. Only those 21 years or older will be able to wager. The state will not have restrictions on its college teams.
Tennessee is no small potatoes. For a period of several weeks following the legalization of sportsbooks in Tunica, Mississippi last summer, Gambling911.com reported more Web traffic from the Volunteer State than any other, includling California. Memphis is just one hour north of Tunica.
It is unclear which companies will ultimately get a foothold in the market.
- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com
